How to Make Time to Exercise

We all know how good exercise is for us. But how many of us get the 30 minutes, 3 times a week, that our doctors recommend? Not many! It may seem like you never have time to get moving, but the truth is, it's just as easy to make time to exercise as it is to think up excuses for why you CAN'T! Change your mindset, and you could be on your way to a better, healthier body and reduced stress!

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Creativity
• Commitment

1. Choose activities that you like. If you hate running, for example, but decide that's how you're going to get fit, you're much more likely to come up with reasons NOT to do it. If you enjoy basketball, do that. Or dance. Even something as simple as a walk after dinner will help strengthen your heart, build muscle, and raise your metabolism while reducing stress hormones. You sure can't say the same for watching TV!
2. Simpler is better. Setting up specialty equipment takes up precious time (and space!) and can deter even the most well-intentioned exerciser. Resistance bands are lightweight, versatile, and easy to take with you. Away from home on a business trip? Work out with resistance bands in your hotel room, and you won't have to worry about getting lost on your way to an unfamiliar gym or missing a workout altogether. You can purchase them inexpensively at Wal-mart, Target, and sporting goods stores. They even sell a set of two, with a how-to book included, at Barnes and Noble for under $15!
3. If you just HAVE to catch the newest episode of "House" or "The Office," consider doing crunches during the commercial breaks instead of running to the kitchen for snacks. You'll be able to get several sets in by the end of the show, and your waistline will thank you!
4. Get the kids in on the action. If you are busy watching the little ones and don't have a moment for yourself all day, get them to join you. Have a competition to see who can do the most jumping jacks in a minute, or get them to do an exercise DVD with you. They might be so worn out at the end that they'll need a nap, and you'll get a little time for yourself after all!
5. Get a dog! Dogs, especially larger breeds like labs, or energetic breeds, like red and blue heelers, need lots of exercise to be happy and well-behaved. Even if you can't do it for yourself, you might very well be able to get up at 6 a.m. to go rollerblading with your new pal. Warning: If you know for a fact that you WON'T be willing or able to take a dog on a good long walk every day (or at least most days), skip this step. It wouldn't be fair to the animal, and might result in serious behavior problems.
6. Change it up! Variety, they say, is the spice of life. If you find yourself slacking because your bored with your routine, try something new for a few days or weeks. You'll work different muscles and keep your brain happy, too.
7. Fit it in where you can. There will be days when you're absolutely booked, and days when you're totally exhausted. You don't need to force yourself to do a full, 30 minute workout. Take the stairs instead of the elevator (do it fast, so you're not late for that meeting!) or walk around the block on your lunch break. A study a few years back showed that fidgety people burned up to 700 more calories per day than non-fidgeters. You might not be able to wiggle around that much, but the point is, every little bit helps.